Feasibility and Acceptability: Narrative Writing with Caregivers in Pediatric Critical Care.

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions are caregiver stressors with potential long-term impact. Writing interventions have shown health benefits, although not yet with parents writing during their child's PICU admission. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The study objective was to quantify intervention acceptability and feasibility and to qualitatively examine written texts. <b><i>Design:</i></b> This is a proof-of-concept three-arm randomized trial. <b><i>Setting and Subjects:</i></b> Subjects were legal caregivers ≥18 years, able to read and write English, and of children ≤18 years in a U.S. PICU for ≥1 day. <b><i>Measurements:</i></b> Treatment Acceptability Questionnaire, enrollment rates, completed encounters, and qualitative thematic analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Acceptability was high (49% enrollment; mean [standard deviation] Treatment Acceptability Questionnaire scores: <i>M</i> = 24.8 [2.4]). Feasibility was 100% scheduled-to-completed sessions. Thematic analysis revealed two themes (people and relationships); texts were more cognitive than emotional. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Caregivers, provided resources and supported by a narrative medicine facilitator, are likely to engage in expressive writing. The intervention warrants subsequent development.